On Tuesday, July 5 - I went for my 10-day post op, after total foot reconstruction. To begin with, I’ve been pretty proud of myself for being off all drugs the last few days. The only pain I’ve had is in my *** – from being bed bound. Anyway: I had no clue that this would be the day STAPLES WOULD BE REMOVED, nor did I even think to swallow a pill or two before the appointment. I’m sharing this with all of you New Footies: BEFORE YOU GO FOR FIRST POST OP VISIT – TAKE DRUGS. More than likely, if you have staples as I did, they will be removed. When we arrived at Medical Building, Fred (my S.O.) went to gather a wheel chair from the Doctor’s office after he parked the car. He was able to wheel me up to the designated building. When I got in, the receptionist sent me directly back downstairs (thankfully on elevator) for x-rays. I was surprised they could shoot film through the plastic-cast & mega Ace bandage, but they did. I was quite surprised when the Tech. Showed me first addition film, seeing 1/2 A DOZEN screws and pins. The screws were the same kind one would Molly into a wall, and the pins were similar to stuffing a turkey. As soon as x-rays were finished, we proceeded back up to the Doctor’s office. The assistant removed my bandages for the first time, and naturally I was mortified at seeing my swollen purple foot, with as much as a dozen incisions filled with metal staples, ranging in size from one inch to about 9. Doctor told me that my foot looked excellent. I’m thinking he must tell all the beautiful women that same thing, just to woo them before sending in his sidekick to do the pricking of metal from beneath the fresh wounds. I was really surprised that there was no anesthetic involved. I inquired why they couldn’t do a Spray On or something to deaden my wounds before extracting the metal or a shot but was told it could cause infection, so they had to do it cold turkey. (Turkey: again I felt like Thanksgiving… having thoughts of the big bird when I saw the pins) I gathered strength for the first 30 or 40 staples, while bellowing every cuss word I have learned since 6ht grade, and finally said STOP informing the Nurse/Assistant that I’d need to reschedule when I had some major drugs in my body. They allowed me this. We made another appointment for two days --- and I will definitely swallow enough drugs to fly.
Doc told me I could be up and around on Roller aid for more time, so that’s what I did when I got home. BIG MISTAKE, I felt fine once home, but apparently over did it, because that evening my foot started to ache almost as bad as when the block wore off in hospital. SECOND WARNING: START WALKING, WITH CRUTCHES OR ROLLERAID VERY GRADUALLY.
I’m not sure, but over doing it with enthusiasm is the only reason I can figure out to cause such horrendous pain that evening.
TODAY: THURSDAY, JULY 7: I’m on my way back to Doctor to have rest of staples removed. Do I want to go? HELL NO…Knowing this visit will probably be worse than 2 days ago because there are even more staples left. Doc gave me 1 Ativan to take before coming in, and suggested I also swallow a couple of the pain meds given when I left the hospital – however I’m still going to ask them to give me a shot of something.
That’s my tale of woe footie friends. I’m still laptop challenged; so only drag this pc onto bed occasionally --- to check in with you all.
I HOPE MY LITTLE STORY WILL BE HELPFUL TO SOME OF YOU NEW POST OP FRIENDS --- AND THAT YOU WILL REMEMBER DRUGS, DRUGS, DRUGS WHEN YOU GO FOR 1ST OFFICE VISIT. Being brave won't get you any "Atta Girl" -- only pain. TA TA FOR NOW. ((~,~)) GG

Wow Gayle you are brave.I have never heard of staples in the foot OUCH. I know when I had them in my stomach that was bad.I can't even imagine them on my boney feet..I just had stitches and they were bad enough.I hope you make out ok today.One good thing is that the xrays looked good.
Keep us posted and rest!

Sue :angel:

Gayle,

You poor thing!! First, I haven't ever read anyone on this forum who had as much reconstructive foot surgery as yours. I think our bunions, fusions, hammertoes, etc... have been pretty tough... and I had 3 procedures on my left foot... but all in all it sounds minor in comparison to your total foot reconstruction. Like Sue, I never heard of staples in the foot either, but OUCH! Listen to that foot, and rest it, do a little at a time, your foot will tell you when you need to rest, ice & elevate!!

Take care!!!

Hey Gayle!

I've never heard of staples in the foot either. For the rest of you, please know that PIN REMOVAL doesn't hurt a bit, just in case GG's post scares you to death!

Gayle, you had a ton of procedures done to your foot, so you definitely have different things going on than the rest of us. Even for complex bunionectomies like mine, the most hardware I had was two permanent screws and one temporary pin (I didn't have hammertoes, which can add more pins). The pin stays in the bone until it heals around it, then they just take it out - no pain. Sorry you're having to go through all this, but each day is closer to healed, right?

STAPLES!!!! Those don't belong in feet--goodness gracious. They must have really worked your foot over GG. Everything in moderation GG, but I know you must be anxious to get out of bed and exercise that bootie a bit with the rolleraid. Sure hope the second set of staples came out easier.

I love what the doc calls beautiful when he looks at a one week post op foot that to me looks like a hunk of liver or something. Mine told me my foot looked good too and I just couldn't see it. Everything was purple, bloody and puffy... It does go down but really takes time.

Hang in there girl...

JODIE: HOW LONG WERE YOUR PINS? Mine are approx. 6 inches - saw them in x-rays, as they go way past mid foot.
FYI to everyone who wrote: the second batch of remaining staples were not quite as painful to remove as the first set, but I was loaded with drugs before I went in. Am sure that had a lot to do with it. He also gave me a tranquilizer -- however nothing topical on the foot site. Am still having slight pain, and am begininng to strut about on the Rolleraid a few times each day - but focus on REST, ICE & ELEVATION still. Next appointment is in 6 weeks (when pins come out) so I'll continue to be non weight bearing most of the summer. Got my boot ::::: and am allowed to take it off at night for sleep. It actually feels good to wear because of the support. Will check back later. GG ((~.~))

GG Mine were 5-1/4 in for my hammertoes and they ran to mid foot through the toe joints. I had my foot numbed because those DO hurt and my doc said he wouldn't take them out without numbing me first. I believe when people talk about pins there are multiple kinds for different surgeries.

Take care, Linda

:rolleyes: Sorry you had such a bad post op visit. You evidently had quite a bit of reconstruction done on your foot. I had what the doctor said "radical" foot surgery because of a bunion, hammertoe, etc. I have two screws and a "plate" in my foot. He says they will stay in unless they give me trouble. I went on Thursday, 07/07 for my first post op visit and he just x-rayed me and said everything was fine. I am using my Rolleraid like crazy. I go everywhere with that thing. My husband and I even went to the movies today which was fun. I am going to have stitches taken out next Thursday and I intend to have a nice "lortab" before I go. We have to drive about an hour to get to the doctor so by the time I get there I will be o.k. for the stitches. I can't believe you had staples....I hurt when I read your "Warning" :eek: Don't every want those things. I will probably have my bunion removed on my other foot in January because he said I could have it done and actually walk out with a boot on.....I don't think I could spend 6 weeks in a non-weight-bearing cast when I am 65 years old :nono:

Good luck....and I love reading everybody's experiences....it makes us know we are not alone!!